"I won't be able to look at my family at this stage," Justice Beazley, the current NSW Court of Appeal president said, as she fought back tears during her speech.

"I am very honoured … didn't think I would be emotional, so I do apologise."

Ms Beazley was born in Sydney in 1951, and has had a storied career in the judiciary after graduating from Sydney Law School with honours in 1974.

She was awarded as an officer of the Order of Australia in 2006 for service to the judiciary and the law, particularly through her contributions to professional and ethical standards and to the advancement of women in the legal profession and the community.

She is the mother of three adult children and is married to Dennis Wilson.

In her resignation from politics, Kelly O'Dwyer said she feared another miscarriage in Canberra, far from home. Her announcement is shocking for more than just party-political reasons, writes Emma A. Jane.